Upcoming projects and proposals were discussed during the morning session of the University’s Board of Trustees first meeting of the academic year.

The presentation of the proposed budget for the 2009 fiscal year sparked the most discussion, including increases in faculty pay and retention efforts.

A three percent increase in faculty pay was proposed for 2009, which has been standard for the past few years, according to Trustee Frances Carroll.

Trustee Robert Sperling questioned why the board continues with modest proposals in the face of gaps in incoming funds and outgoing expenditures. The board plans to discuss the issue in more depth at later sessions. University President B. Joseph White announced he would convene a “resource summit” to examine the University’s cost structure.

The afternoon session is expected to have an executive session followed by the approval of the remaining agenda items.